leaders

Mogadishu (AX) – With a keen eye on bolstering national security, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took a leisurely yet crucial walk through the corridors of the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Mogadishu on a mellow Sunday afternoon. He was on a mission – not just any mission, mind you – but a mission to strategize the subtle art of defense enhancement. Here, it seems, every day is a day to imbibe the spirit of national defense. During his tour, President Hassan Sheikh wore his hat of diplomacy, engaging in…

The Tango Between Cities: Somalia's Riveting Diplomatic Moves By Axadle MOGADISHU, Somalia — Diplomacy can sometimes feel like a precarious dance on a tightrope, and Somalia has chosen to switch up the rhythm. With a flourish that is hard to ignore, the Somali Federal Government has recalled Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, its ambassador to Kenya, for a tête-à-tête back home in Mogadishu. This move is akin to a strategic chess play, aimed at addressing a rather embarrassing…

In the ever-evolving landscape of international diplomacy, few stories capture the essence of persistence and collaboration quite like the tale of Ethiopia and Somalia's rapprochement. This journey toward reconciliation, marked by the Ankara Declaration, has all the elements of a gripping drama with a cast of influential characters set against the backdrop of regional power dynamics. Let’s rewind to last December when the bustling city of Ankara took center stage—as polished Turkish officials buzzed around the opulent rooms…

Sudan: Unexpected Turn as RSF Cancels Kenya Media Briefing Triggered by US Sanctions KHARTOUM, Sudan - In a dramatic twist, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a major Sudanese paramilitary unit, abruptly called off a highly anticipated press conference in Nairobi. The cancellation came in the wake of the United States hitting the RSF’s leadership with swingeing sanctions, barely allowing organizers time to catch their breath. The briefing was slated to unfold at the…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister, and a leader of Hamas, alleging they committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. This development follows ICC prosecutor Karim Khan’s declaration on May 20, asserting his pursuit of arrest warrants related to the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas and the ensuing military actions in Gaza. Let’s dive into the potential ramifications of this situation and…

In a significant development following the troubling events of October 7, 2023, involving both Hamas's attacks on Israel and the subsequent military actions in Gaza, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan revealed on May 20 his intention to pursue arrest warrants for alleged war crimes tied to the conflict. "The legal dynamics are shifting," remarked an expert on international law familiar with the situation. Despite the International Criminal Court's announcement that Israel's consent is not a prerequisite for acknowledging the…

Kismayo (AX) — In a dramatic turn of events, Jubaland's parliament proceeded with its leadership election on Thursday in Kismayo. This move came despite clear disapproval from the federal government, which has rejected the current electoral process in the region. Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman clinched the Speaker's position for a third term, securing a decisive 65 votes. His rival, Ismail Abdi Keerow, managed to gather only seven votes, according to the Interim Speaker Sheikh Abdi Yusuf Ali. This victory strengthens…

Jubaland's Political Dilemmas: Independent Elections and the Pushback from Mogadishu Kismayo (AX)— Thursday was a pivotal day for Jubaland's parliament as it undertook the task of electing its new leaders, including a parliamentary speaker and two deputy speakers. This process involves candidates detailing their visions, followed by a vote, and concluding with swearing in the new victors. These elections are a significant milestone leading up to the presidential election scheduled for November 25, marking a meticulous…

In a stirring moment of political grace, President of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, lauded Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, the newly elected leader, following his emphatic victory. He promised a calm and orderly handover of authority to his successor. This pledge, made at the heart of Hargeisa’s Presidential Palace, felt as much a call to unity as it was an acknowledgment of political reality. President Bihi seized the moment to express gratitude towards his supporters within the Kulmiye Party,…